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Following a sophomore album announcement due to be released in February, Inhaler took to Manchester Academy’s stage on Saturday night. It’s hard not to enjoy an Inhaler gig when the Dublin-based bands entrance is accompanied by choruses of crowd chants as pits immediately open, orchestrated beautifully by fans who anticipated the arrival of the band.
Entering the stage to ‘These Are The Days’, which was released in July, the Manchester crowd haven’t seen the synth-injected song performed live before and the funky bass lines make for an instant impression. As the song kicks in, and fans assume positions on their friends’ shoulders, it becomes clear from the get-go that Inhaler wants the audience to have fun.
Performing in Manchester almost a year to the day they had their O2 Ritz show, it seems Inhaler crowds have become more passionate for the band as the venues get bigger. The audience is besotted with frontman and lead vocalist Elijah Hewson with his melodic voice, the crowd cheering as he announces “it’s great to be back!”
It can be easy for bands to centre around their frontman but not for Inhaler. Each member of the band creates a beautiful ensemble that keeps the crowd begging for more, which is the entity and the heart that Inhaler creates.
Apologising for their slower songs, emphasising “if it’s not for you then I’m sorry”, Inhaler are met with piercing screams as they head into the latter. The indie quartet may be known for their upbeat indie-rock anthems, but fans don’t just come for this, they come for their profound lyrics which are the highlight of the show. Continuing their set with ‘A Night On The Floor’, a song dedicated to lovers, the funky track seems to capture the moment between the band and their fans perfectly as they all stand in awe. Following this charming guitar ballad, the crowd favourite ‘My King Will Be Kind’ echoes through the sold-out Academy with the audience exasperating each lyric to which the band go silent at to hear the roars and sheer volume of the crowd.
It seems Inhaler have no problem adjusting to bigger venues, they are moulded for it; their growth in the past years is a testament to that. This is further solidified by the ever-growing size of their crowds which proves the magnetism the band possesses.
With their new album ‘Cuts & Bruises’ being released in the new year, Inhaler are destined for a bright future. Alongside their slots supporting Harry Styles, the Arctic Monkeys and Sam Fender in 2023, this band are sure to be going places and it’s something you don’t want to miss. Creating a live show that is difficult not to dance to, proof of this coming from gig-goers leaving the venue dripping with sweat and smiles plastered among their faces, Inhaler are currently the ones to watch.
Inhaler’s single ‘Love Will Get you There’ is out now.